PA man busted for wild animal hoarding

by Amy Worden

Too often we hear stories about individuals who hoard cats and dogs. Now comes a case in northeastern Pennsylvania of wild animal hoarding.

Stephen Andrew Moore, 46, of Tannersville, Monroe County, pleaded guilty to what the Pennsylvania Game Commission called an unusual form of poaching: possession of wildlife illegally taken from the wild for “a hobby that got out of control."

On Thursday Moore pled guilty to 30 counts of illegal possession of various species ranging from blue jays to raccoons, from chipping sparrows to gray squirrels, from groundhogs to purple finches, according to the game commission As part of the plea agreement, charges against Moore for cruelty to animals were withdrawn. A judge ordered Moore to pay $2,250 in fines, and $750 in reimbursement to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for expenses incurred treating the wildlife that survived.

In May, game officers followed up on a tip and went to Moore’s home in Pocono Township to investigate alleged illegal possession of birds.

“When we arrived, we saw several cages and multiple bird traps on the front porch,”Officer Scott Malicky said. “Also visible from the front porch were several bird traps in the backyard.”

The following day, officers returned to the home with a search warrant and they found dozens of animals in poor health, living in filthy cages. A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of 13 goldfinches; 11 pine siskins (like the one pictured above); 7 house finches; 5 dark-eyed juncos; 4 purple finches; 3 blue jays; 3 gray squirrels; 2 groundhogs; 2 raccoons; 2 indigo buntings; 1 chipping sparrow; 2 black-capped chickadees; 2 rose-breasted grosbeaks; 1 cardinal; 1 brown-headed cowbird; 1 house sparrow; 1 mourning dove; and five others needing identification due to decomposition..." More

Help fight animal hoarding in Poconos

Letter to the Editor of the Pocono Record:

Editor, the Record:

Over the past three months, the Pocono Record has reported three separate hoarding cases that involved dozens of cats found in squalid conditions in the area. Animal hoarding is a complex and intricate public health issue that affects the entire community and the ASPCA American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was concerned to read about its prevalence in the area.

Few people or agencies recognize hoarding as a community and social issue, with animals often being the symptom. Animal hoarding is not just about the animals. Usually, the animal hoarder is neglecting his or her own mental and physical needs, and may require assistance. We believe there is a dire need for a multi-agency task force that involves human social services, animal welfare and public health organizations. The common signs of an animal hoarder are deteriorating conditions and a lack of insight that the animals are suffering. Hoarders may have good intentions, but the reality is these animals suffer from lack of socialization, poor health and starvation, as well as other ailments.

Very often animals removed from hoarding situations are not good candidates for adoption, and their fate usually involves euthanasia.

It's important to note that not everyone who has multiple animals is an animal hoarder. A person may have more than a dozen animals, but if they receive regular vet care, food and a sanitary environment, then the owner would not be a hoarder.

Hoarding is a form of animal cruelty that can only be combated by involving the entire community. With the community's commitment, we can raise awareness on this critical issue and begin to make the changes needed to create a more humane society.

DR. RANDALL LOCKWOOD

Senior VP, Anti-Cruelty

ASPCA of New York